Japan Blue JB0626 “Godzilla”

It’s another brand which slowly became popular over the past few years while I wasn’t paying attention. They are not a new player though, but part of the one-stop jeans machine that is the Japan Blue Group, encompassing Rampuya (dye), Collect Mills (fabric), Momotaro (premium jeans) and Japan Blue (entry level jeans).

The unusual fabric and the modern cut caught my eye, so instead of a pair of Momotaro’s, I’ve chosen to commit to this very cool Godzilla denim.

This “high tapered” fit is a fairly modern fit – moderately high rise, fair amount of room in the thighs, but tapering very aggressively from the knee down. This results in a comfortable fit, good movement in the top block, a slim silhouette and strong stacking near the hem.

Godzilla is the successor to Japan Blue’s previous top-of-line “Monster” denim. Warp is rope dyed with indigo. Weft is dyed to the core in brown/malt. This is a very tactile fabric, with a relatively rigid hand. Godzilla will fade very fast, as you can see in the two week photo a little further down the page.

I’m guessing the intention is for a quick path towards vintage-looking, dusty fading patterns. Expect some shrinkage with the first wash, but hem & seam roping effects probably would not become pronounced until the 2nd or 3rd wash.

The cotton used is apparently blended and not single origin. I have no idea what this blend includes. On examining the loose bits of cotton from the belt loops and testing the hand of the denim, I would guess medium and short staple cottons were utilised.

This is a modern Japanese style of denim fabric. The exaggerated irregularity and slub formation reminds me of some of Oni and Eternal’s older fabrics. This Godzilla denim appears much more layered though, likely due to the play between the two different colours in the denim.

Straw coloured threads in a couple of sizes are present. The monotone stitching are basic, but neat. All the necessary reinforcements are made, apart from hidden back-pocket rivets or a crotch rivet – these areas are bar-tacked instead.